PARIS, Oct 19, 2007 / FW/ — On Thursday November 1st 2007, the first edition of the Mercedes-Benz Dutch Fashion Awards will take place in the Beurs van Berlage in Amsterdam. An honorary tribute highlighting distinguishing fashion design talent in the national fashion industry. The main award, a prize of 25.000 euro, is directed to supporting the designer most likely to succeed in positioning his or her label on the international market and realizing his/her mission.

The Dutch Fashion Foundation has established an objective committee of (International) Dutch fashion professionals and opinion makers from the cultural and economic field. They selected together the final seven nominees that will present their oeuvre and ambitions to the jury and public on November 1st. The final nominees are: Jan Taminiau, Francisco van Benthum, Mada van Gaans, Spijkers en Spijkers, Klavers van Engelen, Jeroen van Tuyl and Daryl van Wouw.

The jury forms a strong representation of the international fashion industry as they are all experienced and internationally renowned professionals, working within varying angels of the fashion system.

The Mercedes-Benz Dutch Fashion Award will be awarded following the consecutive shows of all seven nominees. Hereby highlighting the current best of Dutch fashion, presenting it in a clear overview for the international fashion industry and thereby creating the ideal occasion for creativity and commerce to meet and inspire each other in the light of further profiling and strengthening the position of Dutch fashion on the global market. This initiative offers also a presentation- and connection platform with international exposure, on the highest imaginable level of Dutch fashion.